Amer's Self-Reliance

We may have mentioned before that our branch president, Amer Elyas,was in a car accident about 2 years ago and his arm was severely crushed.  The doctors in Jordan put his bones back together as best they could, but he needed more specialized surgery for the muscle and skin grafts.  He was also in a lot of pain.  We looked into referring him to Kyle's doctor in Salt Lake, but he found someone in Thailand and decided to go there because it was a lot less expensive.   His business takes him to Thailand occasionally and so he scheduled an extended business trip and stayed for the surgery.  Everything went well and the additional bone repair was successful.  He scheduled a trip to go back for the the muscle and skin grafts later this year.

The North Jordan Branch Presidency.  Amer is the one wearing a suit.

Yesterday we got the following letter from President Amer.  The comments in the letter are significant because they shows that Amer "gets" the concept of self-reliance.  Someone in the Church (probably in Utah) helped Amer cover the cost of his first surgery, but he's determined to do the next one by himself.

Dear brothers and sisters

Approached with the second surgery date for my arm, according to the doctor's instructions

I would like to you know, I want to postpone the surgery at another time. 

I am not now ready to travel to Thailand , because I want to be responsible for the material costs associated with the operation of surgical, such as airline tickets, hotels, food and drink, periodic doctor visits, etc .... After providing that, I want to pay part of the cost of the surgery, as best I could. Or pay all the costs. 

I am trying to arrange some business in Thailand, at the same time in which the operation is conducted. Like what I did during the previous operation. 

That's really what I want to do it, I feel better that I take responsibility. Want to try more things measure, I think that I can do, but the need for some time.

I am grateful to all of you, thank you for your support during my treatment. I do not know to find the words to express the feelings of gratitude to you.

But I love you all.

Grateful to you

Amer

From now on President Amer will be able to preach the principle of self-reliance with power and conviction, sealed by his own testimony.  The members of the Church need to hear it and learn from his example.